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Rug Constructions 

Common Concerns 

Rug Sizing 

Rug Pads

Rug Care and Cleaning 

Rug Materials

Rug Constructions 

Below is a brief overview of the most common rug constructions. No one construction or material is better than any other, but they each have inherent characteristics that make them better suited for different uses. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the different constructions to find what works best for you.

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HAND KNOTTED

  • Each knot is tied by hand, one-by-one

  • Artisan product, highest perceived value, very durable (except in delicate materials), can achieve intricate details

  • Size/design/color may vary slightly, higher price than other constructions

HAND TUFTED

  • Hand-operated tool is used to punch yarn through a canvas

  • Best-selling construction, many textures are possible; predominantly cut pile

  • Size/design/color may vary slightly, more shedding than other constructions

HAND HOOKED

  • Hand-operated tool is used to punch yarn through a canvas

  • Crafted/artisanal look; predominantly looped pile

  • Size/design/color may vary slightly, more sprouting than other constructions

HAND LOOMED

  • Woven on a large, hand-operated loom

  • Can be cut pile, loop pile, or cut and loop pile; often a solid color base is hand carved to create a subtle design. can also be overtufted or printed to create a textural/colorful design

  • Size/design/color may vary slightly, limited to simple/border designs or solids

HAND WOVEN

(flatweave, dhurrie. kilim, peddle-weave)

  • Woven by hand on an upright loom or peddle loom

  • Shedding is less than other hand made constructions, often reversible and foldable

  • Size/design/color may vary slightly, can feel coarse because there is no pile, limited to designs which are geometric, simple, or repetitive

HAND WOVEN (shag, texture)

  • Woven by hand on a pit loom or punja loom

  • Highly textural, high perceived value

  • Size/design/color may vary slightly, typically very thick which can be difficult to walk on or place furniture on

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HAND CRAFTED

  • Animal hides are cleaned and finished by hand; other unconventional rug techniques may be categorized as Hand Crafted

  • Natural/crafted look

  • Size/shape/coloration will vary from piece to piece since every natural animal hide is completely unique

MACHINE WOVEN

  • Mechanically woven on a large loom machine

  • Typically lower price than handmade rugs, little-to-no variation from piece to piece, typically minimal-to-no shedding and suitable for high traffic areas since it’s easy to clean

  • Typically does not last as long as handmade constructions

Looking for more information?

Download Surya's complete Rug Guide 

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